5 Things That Make Me Feel Beautiful: Erika Katz

As the mother of a ‘tween, Erika Katz knows just how difficult those formative years can be for a young girl—and her mom. But Erika built her brand (and her relationship with her own daughter) on bridging the gap between mother and daughter with one thing: beauty. Through her popular book and Web site, Bonding Over Beauty, Erika helps mothers of teens and ‘tweens achieve an open and trusting relationship with their daughters through her easy, sweet-smelling beauty recipes. Turns out Erika's keys to happiness are just as sweet. Here, the five things that make her feel like a million and a half bucks.

My nighttime ritual with my daughter. Every night, my 9-year-old daughter and I do a dance contest on the Wii, and then we cleanse, tone, and moisturize our skin to get ready for bed. It's the best part of my day because it is when we bond over something girly and it makes me feel like a beautiful mom. Oftentimes motherhood is less than beautiful but if I can find those moments when I can connect with my children and do something together, I feel beautiful.

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A great hair day. Whether its fresh color, a great blowout, or I style it myself with hot rollers, having my hair look good makes me feel good. When hair looks smooth and polished, it just pulls everything together. So, I keep my color fresh with Blondeme shampoo and conditioner. I get my color done monthly, and if I do my hair myself, I always put it in hot rollers for a few minutes to smooth the cuticle and take away the frizz.

Surfing with my son. When I go out there in my wetsuit with my board and I am able to actually catch the wave and ride the wave, I feel so beautiful because I am able to do something with my son that most moms cannot. Being adventurous, fearless, and willing to challenge myself is something I just found in myself over the past few years. It is empowering and ultimately nothing makes you feel more beautiful than fearlessly taking on challenges.

Letting it all out. Sometimes the ability to allow myself to cry and let out emotion makes me feel cleansed. It is a beautiful moment when I can just be alone, cry about what I need to without judgment or sympathy, and then move on. Between work and family I feel like I go at 150 miles per hour, daily. Sometimes, things upset me but I do not have the luxury to indulge those feelings. When it gets overwhelming, sometimes crying heals me and makes me feel strong because I gave myself that moment.

Getting active. Taking a jazz class, swimming 1,500 yards, or working out always makes me feel strong and beautiful. There is no better feeling than feeling you are in good shape, toned, and healthy. Also, the no makeup, rosy cheeks and sweaty hair looks natural and healthy and I would take that any day over a face full of makeup.